Sacred Space

Mark Your Calendar!

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Sad to say, but September (and therefore school) is just around the corner. But fear not!

We've got BIG plans for youth group this year - and we're kicking it all off with a Welcome Back Potluck on Sunday, Sept. 11 in the youth center from 4-7 p.m. Youth, parents, families and friends are all invited to bring a dish to share, catch up with everyone from the summer break, meet new friends and get the scoop on plans for the year!

If you just can't wait until then to know what we're up to, you can click here for a sneak peak!

(Psst...while you're at it, have your parents click here and update your contact information!)

See you all there!!

Who wants to go to the beach?

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:51:00 +0000

We'd like to do a fun trip to the beach from about 3-10 pm on Friday, August 26th - but we need to know who can go and how many drivers we need to recruit!! ALL youth will need to ride with an adult - even if you have your own driver's license.

Let me know ASAP if you can join us! (This trip would take the place of youth group on Wed. the 24th.)

What in the world is BYFPT?

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Easy! It's "Bring your FAVORITE pizza topping"! We'll supply the mini-pizzas, sauce and cheese - you bring your favorite topping to share :-)

PLEASE RSVP so I have enough prepared for everyone!! We will meet in the youth center at 6:00 before heading over to the kitchen. See you there!

Tonight, 7/27

noreply@blogger.com (Colin Cushman) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:46:00 +0000

Hey, all. We're still having Youth Group tonight, so come on down for a great, low-key time tonight. Bring a couple of bucks if you so desire. I'll see you then!

Colin ("the intern")

July 27th Youth Group

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:24:00 +0000

There WILL still be youth group on Wednesday, July 27th (even though some of the youth are gone on the mission trip to Montana). Our very able-bodied intern, Colin will be leading the fun that night, starting at 6:00 pm at the church. Be sure to eat dinner before you come - but you might want to bring a couple of bucks with you in case the group finds itself in the vicinity of a coffee shop or gelatto window :-)

Looking ahead: Mark your calendars for Friday, August 26th. We're planning a trip to the beach for Stars and Smores!

And setting up email posting too

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:23:00 +0000

And for the time we have more to say? Well that's when we can blog via email. Pretty cool!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Since we are leaving tomorrow, I thought I would try to set up mobile blogging so you all can join us on the trip. Montana here we come!

Girls' Night Out!

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Wondering what to do this Friday since there's no school? Come hang with the girls from Sacred Space!

We'll do pizza at the Scheuermann's starting at 4:30 and then go see the 6:40 showing of Soul Surfer! After the show we'll head back to the Scheuermann's for ice cream and head home at 10.

Just bring $10 for the show (more if you want munchies while you watch). RSVP to Cesie (503) 375-3826 or Kristen (503) 364-6709 and let us know you'll be there!

Are You In?

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:06:00 +0000

In for the mission trip? Applications are due April 6th!

In for donating? Items are due April 6th!

In for a ticket? Purchase them this Sunday, April 3rd!

(Don't forget seating is limited!)

In for making a difference in the world? We are too!

Support youth ministries and mission on April 9th at our annual youth auction and help us change the world!!

Mission Trip and Auction Update

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:48:00 +0000

Just in case you've been hiding under a rock for the past month and hadn't heard, the annual Youth Mission Trip and Auction are underway! (And if you were under a rock? Welcome Back!)

This summer, the Youth Mission Trip will travel to Montana to the Blackfeet Nation reservation, just outside of Browning, MT. There they will join up with Team Effort (an organization that sponsors Christian missions throughout the United States, Central America and the Caribbean) to work and worship with youth groups from many locations. The mission is to build a new youth & children's camp facility, so that children from all the reservations in Montana can have a Christian camping experience.

The mission team will leave from church on Saturday, July 23rd by van. There will be an overnight stay each way at a Methodist church in Spokane, WA, and the tired, but happy, group will return to Salem on Sunday, July 31.

Application packets are available from Kristen Bonn or at the church office and are due by Wednesday, April 6.

How do we get the money for such a project? Simple! We have our annual Youth Auction and Dinner, where wonderful goodies have been donated for you to bid on. You get goodies - the youth program gets mission money - it's a win win situation!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 9 at 5:30!

Tickets can be purchased from any youth or at the church office for $5, starting Sunday, March 27.

We hope you will invite LOTS of friends - especially ones who love to spend money on trips and quilts and desserts and gardening and winery tours and canoe rides and anything else we can dream up!!

We will see you there!

Youth Lock-In (or Shebang! West)

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:11:00 +0000

The Shebang! experience had such a *huge* impact on the youth who went, that they want to share a little taste of it with everyone who couldn't go. So with some quick planning to capture what we can of Shebang! we are proud to announce....

Youth Lock-In
(or Shebang! West)

Saturday, March 19 from 12 Noon to Sunday, March 20 at 3 pm
"Trust in God"
Romans 8:28

Come for friends, worship, service, games, food, sharing and a whole lot of fun!

Call the church office at 503.364.6709 to R.S.V.P.

Registration forms and Medical Release forms available here and here
Get yours turned in ASAP!!!

Don't forget to invite a friend to join you :-)

Back in business

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:01:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

Information has been recovered, so we will be re-launching the Sacred Space blog very soon! Praise God!

Robyn preaches & mission team commissioned June 13th

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:58:00 +0000

Robyn Morrison's last activity with the youth will be leading the Senior High youth mission team on the San Francisco mission trip, June 18 - 25. Her last Sunday at FUMC will be Sunday, June 13th. She will be preaching about the importance of children and youth ministries, A Child Shall Feed Them. The Youth Mission team will be commissioned at the 11:15 a.m. service.

Welcome to our Willamette Intern - Rey

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Rey Goicochea will be working with the Sacred Space Youth group this summer. He is a student at Willamette University, studying political science and rhetoric. His home town is Astoria Oregon. Adult volunteers will be taking turns helping Rey and more information will be posted soon about the summer agenda. Welcome Rey! He brings enthusiasm and youthful energy to our youth ministries.

End of School Year Party & Graduation Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Come and have some fun with the Sacred Space Youth Group on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pietro's Pizza in Salem. We will be enjoying pizza, beverages, and a game of laser tag. Please bring $8 per youth to defray part of the costs.
See you there!!

Wanted - Donations for our Youth Auction

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Youth Dinner and Auction Donation

Please complete the following and email it to robynmorrison1@me.com, or return to the church office by Sunday, April 25.
Donation ideas: goods (yummy desserts, cakes, pies, etc.), services (lessons, window washing, vacation rentals, etc.) and events (dinners, hikes, etc.).
For the silent auction, we are asking for themed baskets.
Get together with friends and put together a fun basket!
I would like to donate the following for bid at the Youth Dinner and Auction:

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________Phone:_________________

Please deliver your auction items to the church by 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 1.
Thank you.

Get Your Tickets NOW!!

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Youth Auction is May 1
Hooray! It's Back!

Youth Dinner and Auction

Saturday, May 1

5:30 in the Dining Room

FUMC Youth are heading for a "risk-taking mission and service" trip to San Francisco in June. Even if you can't physically be with them, you can be a part of this trip!

Pray for the youth and the people they will be serving
Have a great night out and support the mission trip on May 1. You will be served a delicious simple meal followed by the ever-popular auction (Don't forget! It's a fundraiser!). Buy your ticket now for $5.00 from a youth or at the church office.
Donate an item or service for the Youth Auction. This year we are specifically looking for:
Desserts - anything wonderful-tasting and gourmet
Services - babysitting, vacation rentals, lessons, etc.
Events - dinners, hikes, canoe rides, etc.
Themed Baskets - get your Sunday School class, UMW Circle, choir, or band to put together a basket o' stuff that will knock the socks off bidders!
Want to donate something? We want to know! Fill out a donation form or call Susan Horning, Auction Coordinator at (503)393-5363 or e-mail her.

Save the Date - May 1st! Youth Mission Trip Auction

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:37:00 +0000

I have wonderful news to share! Susan Horning has agreed to chair the auction committee. Jan Morgan and Jo Johnson will be helping her and they will need many other adult and youth volunteers. This has been a very successful and popular event in the past. Please mark your calendars now and plan to help out and attend.

When: May 1, 2010 (Saturday evening)

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:29:00 +0000

What: Like a LOCK-IN, only with a purpose!

Lots of games, food, & fun

When: 7 pm February 19 – 7 am February 20

Where: First UMC, 680 State St. SE, Salem, OR*

Who: Western, Southern & Metro District Youth

(6^th- 12^th Grades)

Cost: $7.00/person

Registration: Please register by February 8

See below for details

Questions?: Chris Kester 503 364-5013 or 503 428-1353 (cell)

Email: chriskester@msn.com

*Sponsored by Bread Cooperative Youth Ministry & First UMC Youth Ministry

Important Information

What to do before arrival:

Publicize Event – Print, Distribute & Collect Prayer Requests (Templates & Sample Press Release included)
Recruit Adult Chaperones & Designated Driver(s)
Invite Youth to Attend (collect payment)
Register

What to bring:

Each group:

Snacks to share (chips, cookies, fruit, veggies, etc.)
Prayer Requests (template enclosed)
Stamps (for prayer-o-grams)
Designated Driver(s)

Each group needs to provide one chaperone who can/will participate in the activities for each 8 youth you bring. In addition, each group must have enough designated drivers to safely transport their group home. (We will provide space for designated drivers to sleep.)

Each individual:

Medical Release Form & required medications

Optional:

Toothbrush & toothpaste

soda (water will be provided)

blanket & pillow (no sleeping bag – we will not be sleeping!)

playing cards and/or board games, activities to pass the time

What NOT to bring:

Sleeping bag and/or mat
Anything you don’t want to lose! (e.g. cell phone, iPod, MP3 player, etc.) NOTE: Youth cell phones must be locked in group’s designated vehicle.

Meals:

Please eat dinner prior to arriving. (Snacks & breakfast will be provided)

Questions?

Contact Chris at chriskester@msn.com or 503 364-5013 (Morningside) or 503 428-1353 (cell)

Suttle Lake Winter Youth Retreat Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Where is God when the Earth Quakes?

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:25:00 +0000

by Rev. Robyn Morrison
1/14/2010
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon, partially explained by science as the tectonic movement of the lithosphere. Physics and science only describe what happens. Science fails to truly explain why creation works the way it works. The great intellectual and scientist, Albert Einstein, once wrote, “What I see in Nature is a magnificent structure that we can comprehend only very imperfectly, and that must fill a thinking person with a feeling of humility.”

Pat Robertson’s absurd allegation that God caused the earthquake to punish the people of Haiti for the sins of their ancestor’s comes from an ancient pre-Christian image of a wrathful punishing God. The ancient vengeful God was most likely a reflection of a less socialized or civilized ancient society. Einstein also wrote, “I cannot imagine a God who rewards or punishes the objects of creation, whose purposes are modeled after our own -- a God, in short, who is but a reflection of human frailty.” Thousands of years later, most literate human beings understand the inexplicable randomness of earthquakes. Science knows where the tectonic faults are. They can measure the strength of earthquakes. They can describe the relative probability of an earthquake, but so far they have not been able to accurately predict catastrophic quakes. Pat Robertson is proof that not all human beings have evolved to the level that they can comprehend the ineffable, magnificent, and mysterious nature of God.

If the death, destruction, and suffering involved with earthquakes cannot be adequately explained by science; and if they are not acts of God to punish sinful humanity, then where is God in the midst of the earthquake? The incarnation of God in the person of Jesus is where we find God in the midst of emptiness, abandonment, injustice, and suffering. God is always beyond our knowing, yet Jesus is God in flesh, human and yet divine, utterly approachable and touchable.

Jesus, God incarnate and fully human, abides with us. We remember Jesus as he moved among the people healing with his touch, teaching his disciples to do the same, and empowering with his presence. Jesus moved to the fringe of his society, to the untouchables and those who suffered the most. In an age when religious authorities were quick to blame suffering and affliction on sin, Jesus healed and taught that faith was all that was necessary for salvation and healing.

Jesus, God incarnate and fully human, experienced the absence of God on the cross and uttered an all too familiar lament, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” In the person of Jesus, we find the intermediary who not only knows our suffering, but also knows our experience of abandonment. Yet, God was merciful to Jesus and in the end, Jesus experienced the assurance of knowing. “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”

God the creator is always and forever at work in creation. God is somewhere in the midst of natural phenomenon, but I cannot answer the great questions of why. Why these people? Why now? Why this destruction is necessary at all.

At times like these I turn to Jesus. I hear Jesus calling to me, and to all of God’s children. “Come and follow me.” Jesus taught his disciples, empowered them, and sent them out to heal those who were sick or suffering. He taught his disciples that they would find God when they ministered to people who were hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, or sick.

Where is God in the earth quake? Incarnate in the people who are suffering. Incarnate in the people who are following Jesus in mission, to minister to the victims of the earth quake. If we love God, we will respond by loving our neighbors in Haiti. Christians are called to respond to this crisis with the love and sacrifice modeled by Jesus. We are called to respond to the needs of people with whatever gifts we have. Doctors and medical specialists are needed now. People who are trained to respond to natural disasters are needed now. Anyone with money to spare is called to extravagant generosity, responding with gifts to organizations who we know can be good stewards of our financial gifts (such as the United Methodist Commission on Relief). Later many more people with a wider variety of gifts will be called to respond, to rebuild and restore communities.

Always we are called to examine the effects of injustice and imbalances in power and resources. We must continually strive to seek the kin(g)dom of God on earth. Fewer lives would have been lost if Haiti had more resources and a stronger infrastructure.

There is so much suffering in the world. If only we would truly seek the kin(g)dom of God in earth, perhaps we could relieve much of the suffering that is caused by human greed, injustice, and violence. We may not be able to predict or prevent earthquakes, but we can affect the human caused environmental destruction that scientists are beginning to link to changing weather patterns and increasing catastrophic storms.

Where is God in the midst of the disaster in Haiti? Look and see. Jesus is there in the midst of the death and dying and all those who are lovingly ministering to human needs.

LEAP: Learn, Experience, Act & Pray - Youth Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:27:00 +0000

The Sacred Space youth group and Morningside UMC youth group are co-hosting an overnight Lock-In/Prayer Retreat.
This is a great opportunity for a deep experience of the power of prayer - combined with lots of fun and fellowship.

Date/Time: 7 pm Friday, Feb. 19 - 7 am Saturday, Feb. 20
Location: Salem First UMC (680 State St., Salem, OR 97301)
Cost: $7.00/person
Needed: 1 adult/8 youth (gender doesn't matter); At least one adult who will be a "designated driver" (a person who is allowed to SLEEP and drive safely the next morning.)

We have lots of fun scheduled and an incredible prayer experience also.

Registration materials should go out this weekend.

If you have questions contact:
Chris Kester
Program Associate
Morningside UMC, Salem
503 364-5013 (church)
503 428-1353 (cell)
OR
Robyn Morrison
Minister of Youth and Christian Education
First United Methodist Church of Salem
503-983-0205

Hope to see you soon!

Youth Retreat Registration Deadline Approaching!!

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:21:00 +0000

The date for the Suttle Lake Youth Retreat is rapidly approaching. The retreat is for youth currently in grade 6 - 12. The official dates for the retreat are January 16 (Saturday) through January 18 (Monday).

The FUMC Trustees have provided camping scholarship assistance for all youth who plan to attend. The net cost after the basic scholarship for the Retreat is $40 per youth. If you are sending more than one youth in your family OR if you have any extenuating circumstances, simply request additional financial assistance when you respond with your registration. Full scholarships are available for those who can demonstrate need. Do not let finances keep you from participating.

Campers do NOT register individually for this event. We are required to have one adult chaperone for every 7 youth (of the same gender). So far, only Libby Bonn and Rosemary Hickerson have officially registered to attend. I was planning on sharing counselors with my husband Gerry, since we have more girls than boys. Now Gerry and his youth group are NOT attending so I really need a male adult chaperone (must be over 25). We will pay the registration for the adult chaperones. If more than 7 females attend, then I will also need an additional female chaperone. A couple would be most welcome to volunteer together - but you will have to sleep with the youth.

I also need additional drivers who are over 25 since my vehicle will not hold more than three youth comfortably.

To register for the camp, simply respond to this email and tell me you are definitely planning on attending. Please indicate your preference for going up on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. The final decision will depend on drivers and adult chaperones.

If we do not already have a FUMC Salem Medical Authorizatioin and release (signed by your parents) on file, you will need to complete a form. The form is attached to this email and can be mailed to the office or dropped off at the church office.

For more information about the Youth Retreat - go to the website: http://gocamping.org/camps-retreats/detail/winter-youth-retreat-suttle-lake.

I need to complete the group registration form this week! The deadline for registration is this Saturday. It might be possible to add late registrants... but no guarantees.

Parents! Please call me at (503) 983-0205 if you can volunteer to be the male adult chaperone OR if you can drive.

If you have any questions, please call me.

Blessings this holiday season,

Robyn Morrison

(503) 983-0205

THANK YOU - We have all the gifts

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Thank you for your generosity. A special thanks to Melissa Berry and Shannon Riggs and the Family Matters class members for helping with our project. Also a thanks to the youth who showed up Sunday to sort, wrap, and label the gifts.

URGENT - Updated list - MANY ITEMS STILL NEEDED

noreply@blogger.com (sacred space ministries) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:35:00 +0000

We need help, especially with gifts for the older boys. Please respond with a comment if you can purchase gifts. If you can, bring them to the church office during office hours on Monday.

Thanks for everyone who has been so generous!!!

Here is the list updated for what we have received through 1:30 p.m. Sunday:

#	Sex	Age	Items desired	Purchaser of gift (sign up)
1	M	13	shoes size 11
2	M	12	roller blades & helmet - size 8
3	M	12	black van style shoes size 8	Giengers RECEIVED
4	M	11	roller blades & helmet size 7 1/2
5	M	9	Clothes - pants size 12	J Morgan RECEIVED
6	M	9	Shirts/sweater size Large
7	M	9	Books	Bateman RECEIVED
8	M	6	clothes - pants size 8
9	M	6	shirts/sweater size med	Cummins RECEIVED
10	M	6	shoe size 3 1/2
11	M	4	toys - loves hot wheels car	Dougherty RECEIVED
12	M	4	shoes size 12	Moore RECEIVED
13	M	2	clothes size 2T	Moore RECEIVED
14	M	2	toys	DeBlase RECEIVED
15	Mom		pots and pans	Cummins RECEIVED
16	Mom		glasses	Hickerson RECEIVED
17	Mom		bathroom towels	Deckelman RECEIVED
18	Mom		toaster	Berry RECEIVED
19	M	17	Gloves - dark blue or black
20	M	17	Adidas body spray	Scheuermann RECEIVED
21	M	17	JVC headphones - blue
22	M	17	Sweat pants size XL	Hudkins RECEIVED
23	M	15 1/2	Football	Deckelman RECEIVED
24	M	15 1/2	Soccer ball	Johnson RECEIVED
25	M	15 1/2	Adidas body spray	Scheuermann RECEIVED
26	M	15 1/2	Sweat pants size Med	Fitzpatrick RECEIVED
27	M	15 1/2	JVC headphones - blue
28	F	14	Gloves - black	Berry’s RECEIVED
29	F	14	Harry Potter Books, vol 5, 6, 7	Suzanne Onstot RECEIVED
30	F	14	Earrings for sensitive ears	Havels & Rich RECEIVED
31	F	14	Globe	Morrison
32	F	14	Backpack black or blue	Rich RECEIVED
33	F	14	pink or purple pajamas size medium	Janell Johnston RECEIVED
34	F	14	small wallet	Fitzpatrick RECEIVED
35	Mom		Gift Certificate to Fred Meyer	Kathy Lincoln